David Frost (broadcaster)

:This article is about the British television personality. For other people of the same name see: David Frost.

Criticism

Frost has had numerous critics throughout his career. Satirist and contemporary Peter Cook disliked him, perhaps because he stole his Beyond The Fringe act impersonating UK Prime Minister Harold Macmillan (whilst Cook was performing the act at one theatre, Frost was performing exactly the same act at another). Though Frost demonstrated a great deal of respect for Cook, Cook was critical of Frost's career, feeling he had done little more than stolen Cook's early image. Cook often claimed, tongue-in-cheek, that the biggest mistake he ever made was saving Frost from drowning in a swimming pool. Further borrowing of comedy material from others caused Beyond The Fringe performer Jonathan Miller to dub Frost "the bubonic plagiarist". For these reasons and others, the satirical magazine Private Eye has been a persistent critic of Frost, particularly during the 1970s.

Related Topics:
Peter Cook - Beyond The Fringe - Harold Macmillan - Jonathan Miller - Private Eye

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In addition, Frost's interview style of late has been described as sycophantic, and markedly different to his performance in the 1960s and 1970s which almost bordered on verbal bullying – it was from such fiery encounters that the phrase 'trial by television' was popularised.

Related Topics:
1960s - 1970s

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